Active device and circuits used therewith

ABSTRACT

An active device and circuits utilized therewith are disclosed. In an aspect, the active device comprises an n-type transistor having a drain, gate and bulk and a p-type transistor having a drain, gate and bulk. The n-type transistor and the p-type transistor include a common source. The device includes a first capacitor coupled between the gate of the n-type transistor and the gate of the p-type transistor, a second capacitor coupled between the drain of the n-type transistor and the drain of p-type transistor and a third capacitor coupled between the bulk of the n-type transistor and the bulk of p-type transistor. The active device has a high breakdown voltage, is memory less and traps even harmonic signals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/014,575, filed on Jun. 19, 2014, entitled“BROADBAND HIGHLY LINEAR LOW NOISE AMPLIFIER,” which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. This application is related to U.S.Pat. No. 7,764,124, issued Jul. 27, 2010, U.S. Pat. No. 7,834,690,issued Nov. 16, 2010, U.S. Pat. No. 7,834,691, issued Nov. 16, 2010,U.S. Pat. No. 8,049,566, issued Nov. 1, 2011, U.S. Pat. No. 8,058,938,issued Nov. 15, 2011, U.S. Pat. No. 8,081,032, issued Dec. 20, 2011,U.S. Pat. No. 8,143,946, issued Mar. 27, 2012, and U.S. Pat. No.8,150,352, issued Apr. 3, 2012.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to wireless devices and moreparticular to an amplifier circuits utilized in such devices.

BACKGROUND

Wireless products are utilized in a variety of environments such asmobile (for example cellular and Wi-Fi for handsets) or non-mobile (forexample Wi-Fi for access points and routers). Amplifiers are utilized insuch products to amplify the signals received or transmitted therefrom.As the market for wireless products develops there becomes an everincreasing need for more bandwidth and more data across mobile andnon-mobile networks with more demand for higher efficiency andlinearity. Therefore the communication of such data over these networksis becoming more and more difficult. For example, as the bandwidth goesup as network evolves, and at the same time the signals consolationsbecome more dense. As a result, there is a requirement of more linearityof the output signals from devices. What is meant by linearity isincrease an ability to increase the power level of an input signalwithout otherwise altering the content of the signal.

Hence, because signals are more clustered it has become more difficultto maintain linearity and still provide accurate information. Therefore,it is important to provide amplifiers that maintain linearity asbandwidth and signal complexity increases. Devices and circuits inaccordance with the present invention address such a need.

SUMMARY

An active device and circuits utilized therewith are disclosed. In afirst aspect, the active device comprises an n-type transistor having adrain, gate, bulk and source and a p-type transistor having a drain,gate, bulk and source. Then-type transistor and the p-type transistorinclude a common source. The device includes a first capacitor coupledbetween tile gate of the n-type transistor and the gate of the p-typetransistor, a second capacitor coupled between the drain of the n-typetransistor and the drain of p-type transistor and a third capacitorcoupled between the bulk of the n-type transistor and the bulk of p-typetransistor. The active device has a high breakdown voltage since eachn-type and p-type device see a portion of total power supply voltage, ismemory less and traps even harmonic signals. This combination of n-typeand p-type also distinguish between even and odd signals that aregenerated during class AB or B or C, operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an active device in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the active device shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a first embodiment of a tuning block in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 2B is a second embodiment of a tuning block in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a common gate amplifier in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of a combined common gate and common sourceamplifier in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a differentialcommon gate amplifier in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of a second embodiment of a differentialcommon gate amplifier in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a block diagram of an embodiment of a differential combinedcommon gate and common source amplifier in accordance with the presentinvention

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a coupled inductor capacitor tappedtuning block in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of a coupled transformer combined tuningblock in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of a coupled transformer turn ratiotuning block in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a coupled transformer with sectionalsecondary winding tuning block in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of a coupled transformer with capacitancetuning block in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a diagram of a common gate power amplifier in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 7B is a diagram of a combined common gate and combined source poweramplifier in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a diagram of a power amplifier that includes both a pluralityof common gate amplifiers and a plurality of combined common gate andcommon source amplifiers in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a power amplifier in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a first embodiment of a schematic diagram of the load of FIG.8 in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a second embodiment of a schematic diagram of the load ofFIG. 8 in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a second embodiment of a schematic diagram of the had ofFIG. 8 in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates generally to wireless devices and moreparticularly to an amplifier circuits utilized in such devices. Thefollowing description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill inthe art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context ofa patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to thepreferred embodiments and the generic principles and features describedherein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, thepresent invention is not intended to be limited to the embodimentsshown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with theprinciples and features described herein.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an active device 100 in accordancewith the present invention. The active device 100 includes un-typetransistor 102 which includes agate (gn), drain (dn) and bulk (bn) and ap-type transistor 104 which includes a gate (gp), drain (dp) and bulk(bp). Then-type transistor 102 and the p-type transistor 104 share acommon source (s). The active device 100 includes a first capacitor 106coupled between gn and gp, a second capacitor 108 coupled between dn anddp; and a third capacitor i10 coupled between bn and bp. The activedevice i00 has a high breakdown voltage due to the four terminals (gate,drain bulk and source), is memory-less and traps even harmonic signalswhen utilized with certain amplifiers such as Class AB amplifiers.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the active device 100 shown in FIG. 1A.The n-type transistor 102 can be NPN bipolar or any other active elementfrom GaAs. The p-type transistor 104 can be PNP bipolar or any otheractive complementary from GaAs. The n-type transistor 102, can furtherbe protected by a cascade NMOS circuit. The p-type transistor 104 canfarther be protected by a cascade PMOS circuit. Capacitor 106 can be avariable capacitor, it can have a series resistor and or series inductorall being variable. Capacitor 106 can further be split into N number ofcapacitors with any series elements. Capacitor 108 can be a variablecapacitor, it can have a series resistor and or series inductor allbeing variable. Capacitor 108 can further be split into N number ofcapacitors with any series elements. Capacitor 110 can be a variablecapacitor, it can have a series resistor and or series inductor allbeing variable. Capacitor 110 can further be split into N number ofcapacitors with any series elements.

More capacitors can be coupled (parasitic or non-parasitic) from dn togn, dn to gp, dp to gp, dp to gn. These capacitors can be variable andor have series passive or active elements such as inductor, resistor,transformers and so on. Node gp can connect to a bias network. This biasnetwork can include any passive, such as resistor, capacitor, inductor,transformer and any combinations of them. The bias can also include anyactive elements.

In the case of using cascade transistor for both n-type and p-type oreither one, additional capacitors may be needed to connect drain ofcascade n-type to drain of cascade p-type similar to capacitor 110. Alsoa capacitor coupling a bulk of cascade n-type to a bulk of cascadep-type may be similar to capacitor 108. In addition, a capacitor can beconnected from gate of cascade n-type to the gate of cascade p-typesimilar to capacitor 106.

If device 100 in FIG. 1A is driven in class AB or B or C or D or anyother class except class A, then the active device 100 generates evenand odd harmonic output currents flowing through dn and dp nodes. Activedevice 100 can distinguish between even and odd harmonics by generatingsimilar direction current flow at nodes dn and dp in case of oddharmonics such as main signal or 3rd harmonic. However active device 100will generate opposing direction currents at node dn and dp for evenharmonic such as 2nd, 4th, 6th and so on. Also a filtering action causedby capacitors 110, 108 and 106 will effect magnitude of even harmonicsflowing through dn and dp nodes.

The active device 100 can be utilized in conjunction with atoning blockto provide an amplifier that provides a linear output signal. Followingis a description of two basic single ended tuning blocks that can beutilized in conjunction with the active device 100.

FIG. 2A is a first embodiment of a tuning block 200 in accordance withthe present invention. The single ended tuning block 200 includes twoinputs dn and dp, one output, sand a voltage supply, (vdd) and ground,(gnd). Input signals in the form of current can be provided to nodes dnand dp, as 1_in_n and 1₁₃ in_p respectively. The tuning block 200 whichcan include a combination of all or few part of passive, inductors,capacitors, resistors and transformers but not limited to any has afunction of receiving 1_in_n and 1_in_p and providing an output current,1_s at node S with following condition: I_s>1_in_n+1_in_p. The tuningblock 200 is utilized to provide a linear output signal regardless ofthe power. A combination of tuning block 200 and the active device 100,form a common gate amplifier.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a single ended common gate amplifier inaccordance with the present invention. The common gate amplifiercomprises the active device 100 coupled to the tuning block 200. In thisembodiment, current 1_s from the tuning block 200 is provided to thesource connection, S of the active device 100. Due to a common gateaction of device 100, the current 1_s will split and a portion of it isdirected to dn as output current 1_out_n and the other portion directedto dp as output current 1_out_p. The gates gn and gp of the activedevice 100 are coupled to bias lines. (No signal is applied to gn andgp). Bulk nodes, bn and bp are also coupled to their respective biaslines.

In the case when the active device 100 is operating under class AB, B,C, D and F mode, other even and odd harmonics current generate internalto the active device 100. These currents are directed toward dn and dp.For even harmonics such as AM (Amplitude modulated) currents and 2^(nd)harmonics the direction of current flow through dn and dp are opposite.However for odd harmonics, such as main signal current and 3^(rd)harmonics, direction of output currents through dn and dp are the same.

FIG. 2B is a second embodiment of a tuning block 200′ in accordance withthe present invention. The single ended tuning block 200′ includes oftwo inputs dn and dp, three outputs, s, gn and gp. The single endedtuning block 200′ has a supply (vdd), and ground (gnd). Input signal inthe form of current is inserted to nodes dn and dp with 1_in_n and1_in_p respectively. Tuning block 200′ which can includes a combinationof all or few part of passive, inductors, capacitors, resistors andtransformers but not limited to any has a function of receiving 1_in_nand 1_in_p and then provide an output current, 1_s at node S withfollowing condition: 1_in_n+1_in_p. the output gp and gn are voltageswhich will drive gn and gp nodes of the active device 100. As shown inFIG. 38, combining tuning block 200′ with active device 100, form acommon-gate/common source amplifier action.

In addition, tuning block 200′ may only send gate information gn and gpand no information at S node. In this case, S node can be grounded orcoupled to any passive device such as resistor, capacitor, inductor,transformer or active device or all. Combination of tuning block 200′and active device 100, in this particular case form a common-sourceamplifier.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of a combined common gate and common sourceamplifier in single ended form in accordance with the present invention.The common gate and common source amplifier comprises the active device100 coupled to the tuning block 200′. In this embodiment, current 1_sfrom the tuning block 200′ is provided to the source connection, S ofthe active device 100. Due to common gate action of device for anycurrent entering node s, the current 1_s will split and portion of itdirected to dn as output current 1_out_n and the other portion directedto dp as output current 1_out_p. The gates gn and gp of the activedevice 100 are coupled to bias lines as well as driven by output nodesof tuning block gn and gp. Bulk nodes, bn and bp are also coupled totheir respective bias lines. Nodes gn and gp can further be connected totheir respective bias which is isolated from main signal.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a differentialcommon gate amplifier 400 in accordance with the present invention. Theamplifier 400 comprises a differential tuning block 200 coupled to afirst and second active device 100. The differential tuning block 200comprises four inputs dn_in+, dp_in+ and dn_in−, dp_in−, and twooutputs, s+ and s−. A supply (vdd) and a ground (gnd) is provided. Inputsignals in the form of current are inserted to nodes dn_in+, dp_in+ anddn_in−, dp_in− as 1_in_n+, 1_in_p− and 1_in_n− and 1_in_p− respectively.Tuning block 200 which can include a combination of all or few part ofpassive, inductors, capacitors, resistors and transformers but notlimited to any has a function of receiving 1_in_n+, 1_in_p+ and 1_in_n−,1_in_p− and process them as output currents 1_s+ and 1_s− at node S+ andS− respectively with following condition: 1_s+>(1_in_n+)+(1_in_p+) and1_s−>(1_in_n−)+(1_in_p−)

In this embodiment, current 1_s from the tuning block 200 is provided tothe source connection, S of the active device+ 100. Due to a common gateaction of device 100+, the current 1_s will split and a portion of it isdirected to dn as output current 1_out_n and the other portion directedto dp as output current 1_out_p. The gates gn and gp of Active deviceare coupled to bias lines. (No signal is applied to gn and gp). Bulknodes, bn and bp are also coupled to their respective bias lines.

Similarly, in this embodiment, current 1_s from the tuning block 200 isprovided to the source connection, S of the active device 100−. Due to acommon gate action of device 100−, the current 1_s will split and aportion of it is directed to dn as output current 1_out_n and the otherportion directed to dp as output current 1_out_p. The gates gn and gp ofActive device are coupled to bias lines. (No signal is applied to gn andgp). Bulk nodes, bn and bp are also coupled to their respective biaslines.

Any number of capacitors or variable capacitors can be coupled between +and − nodes of inputs and of tuning block 200. As well any number ofcapacitors or variable capacitors can connect between + and − nodes ofinput, outputs, gates, bulks to input and outputs of active device+ 100and active device− 100. For example, cross capacitors or variablecapacitors can be coupled between dn+ and dn−; dp+ and dp−; dn− and dp+;dn+ and dp− and or any combination thereof. Also these capacitors orvariable capacitors can include series resistors or series inductance orparallel resistors or parallel inductors which do not affect or alterthe invention.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of a second embodiment of a differentialcommon gate amplifier in accordance with the present invention. Theamplifier 400 comprises a differential tuning block 200 coupled to afirst and second active device 100. The differential tuning block 200comprises four inputs dn_in+, dp_in+ and dn_in−, dp_in−, and twooutputs, s+ and s−. A supply (vdd) and a ground (gnd) is provided. Inputsignals in the form of current are inserted to nodes dn_in+, dp_in+ anddn_in−, dp_in− as 1_in_n+, 1_in_p− and 1_in_n− and 1_in_p− respectively.A supply vdd in the left and gnd to the right. Tuning block 200 whichcan include a combination of all or few part of passive, inductors,capacitors, resistors and transformers but not limited to any has afunction of receiving 1_in_n+, 1_in_p+ and 1_in_n−, 1_in_p− and processthem as output currents 1_s+ and 1_s− at node S+ and S− respectivelywith following condition: 1_s+>(1_in_n+)+(1_in_p+) and1_s−>(1_in_n−)+(1_in_p−).

In this embodiment, current from the tuning block 200 is provided to thesource connection, S of the active device+ 100. Due to a common gateaction of device 100+, the current 1_s will split and a portion of it isdirected to dn as output current 1_out_n and the other portion directedto dp as output current 1_out_p. The gates gn and gp of Active deviceare coupled to bias lines forming a virtual ground between + and − side(No signal differential signal is applied to gn and gp). Bulk nodes, bnand bp are also coupled to their respective bias lines.

Similarly, in this embodiment, current 1_s from the tuning block 200 isprovided to the source connection, S of the active device 100−. Due to acommon gate action of device 100−, the current 1_s will split and aportion of it is directed to dn as output current 1_out_n and the otherportion directed to dp as output current 1_out_p The gate gn− is coupledto gate gn+ to form a virtual ground and they share a common biasvoltage, vbias_n. Similarly, gp− and gp+ are coupled together to form avirtual ground and they share a common bias voltage, bias_p. Bulk nodes,bn− and bp− are also coupled to their respective bias lines.

Any number of capacitors or variable capacitors can be coupled between +and − nodes of inputs and outputs of tuning blocks 200. As well anynumber of capacitors or variable capacitors can connect between + and −nodes of input and outputs, gates, bulks and sources of active device+100 and Active device− 100. For example, cross capacitors or variablecapacitors can be coupled between dn+ and dn−; dp+ and dp− dn− and dp+;dn+ and dp− or any combination thereof. Also these capacitors orvariable capacitors can include series resistors or series inductance orparallel resistors or parallel inductors which do not affect or alterthe invention.

FIG. 4C is a block diagram of an embodiment of a differential combinedcommon gate and common source amplifier in accordance with the presentinvention. The amplifier 400 comprises a differential tuning block 200coupled to a first and second active device 100. The differential tuningblock 200 comprises four inputs n+, p+ and n−, d− and 6 outputs s+, s−,gn+, gn−, gp+, gp−. Also a supply vdd and gnd is provided for neededbiasing of any active device that is feeding nodes dn+, dn−, dp+ anddp−.

Input signals are in the form of current and are provided to nodes n+,p+ and n−, p− as 1_in_n+, 1_in_p− and 1_in_n− and 1_in_p− respectively.Tuning block 200 which can include a combination of all or some ofpassive devices s such as inductors, capacitors, resistors andtransformers but not limited to any has a function of receiving 1_in_n+,1_in_p+ and 1_in_n−, 1_in_p− and process them as output currents 1_s+and 1_s− at node S+ and S− respectively with following condition:1_s+>(1_in_n+)+(1_in_p+) and 1_s−>(1_in_n−)+(1_in_p−)

The other four output nodes of the tuning block 200 connect to positiveand negative n-type and p-type gates of active device+ 100 and activedevice− 100 respectively to form a differential common gate-commonsource amplifier.

Current is provided to active device+ 100 source connection, S. Due tocommon gate action of this device, the current 1_s+ will split andportion of it is directed to dn+ as output current 1_out_n+ and theother portion directed to dp+ as output current 1_out_p+. The gates gn+and gp+ of active device+ 100 are coupled to bias lines. (No signal isapplied to gn+ and gp+). Bulk nodes, bn+ and bp+ are also coupled totheir respective bias lines.

Similarly, current is entering active device− 100 source connection, S.Due to a common gate action of active device− 100, the current 1_s− willsplit and portion of it is directed to dn− as output current 1_out_n−and the other portion directed to dp− as output current 1_out_p−.

Any number of capacitors or variable capacitors can connect between +and − nodes of inputs and outputs, gates and bulks and sources of tuningblock 200. As well any number of capacitors or variable capacitors canconnect between + and − nodes of input and outputs of active device+ 100and Active device− 100. For example, cross capacitors or variablecapacitors can connect between dn+ and dn−; dp+ and dp−; dn− and dp+;dn+ and dp− and any combination thereof. Also these capacitors orvariable capacitors can include series resistors or series inductance orparallel resistors or parallel inductors, which do not affect or alterthe invention.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a differential coupled inductorcapacitor tapped tuning block 500 in accordance with the presentinvention. This is one example of a differential tuning block 200 withfour inputs and two outputs and vdd and gnd that was shown in FIG. 4A.

As is seen the tuning block 500 includes capacitors 506 a-506 d. Themain function of this tuning block 500 is to amplify current in exchangefor reducing voltage from input to output such that power is notincreased. The use of four inputs with coupled inductors 502 and 504 isa key feature of this implementation.

If this tuning block 500 is driven by differential active devices 100 asshown in FIG. 1A to 4C, and if the active devices 100 are operating inclass AB or B, C, D, E, F which produce combinations of even and oddharmonics, coupled inductors 502 and 504 play an important role. Theinductors 502 and 504 enhance for odd harmonics or differential mode andcancel by the strength of coupling factor for the even harmonics. In sodoing, the tuning block 500 acts normally for odd harmonics at atargeted center frequency and cancels even harmonics as the circuitimposes higher center frequency for even harmonics while not couplingeven harmonic information from both primary to secondary.

Inductors 502 and 504 can be fully coupled or partially coupled. Alsothey can be with different inductance value such as different turnratio. The coupled inductance also reduces an inductance path from dn+,dp+ and dn−, dp− to power supply, vdd and ground, and lines, enhancingperformance.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of a differential coupled transformercombined tuning block 500′ in accordance with the present invention.Inductor set of 510 a connected between p+ and p− and inductor set of510 b connected between n+ and n− form two primary windings of thetransformer. The two primary windings 510 a and 510 b may or may not becoupled together. The N sectioned inductors 512 a, 512 b, 512 c, and 512d form the secondary winding of the transformer. The secondary sectionscan be all equal to each other or different. The secondary inductors cancouple (shown at 514 a-514 n) to primary inductor 510 a or 510 b orboth.

Positive and negative nodes of each sectioned inductors are connectedtogether respectively to form S+ and S− output nodes. Since currentthrough each section of inductor 512 a, 512 b, 512 c, . . . 512 d areequal to current through primary 510 a plus 510 b, then total current atS+ and S− is:1out=N*(1_in_p+1_in_n).

Also voltage across S+ and S− is N times smaller than a voltage acrossprimary lines n+, n− and p+, p−. Capacitors can be coupled from dn+ todn−, dp+dp− and S+ to S−. Also capacitors can be coupled from dn+ to p+,dn− to p− and dn+ to dp− and dp+ to dn− and capacitors from S+ dn+ anddp+ and S− to dp− and dn− and any combination thereof. These capacitorscan be variable capacitors, they can be N parallel capacitors. They canhave series resistors or inductors or switches.

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of a differential coupled transformerturn ratio tuning block 500″ in accordance with the present invention.Another example of a tuning circuit that amplify current in exchange toreducing voltage, is the transformer with different turn ratio ofprimary larger then turn ration of secondary. In other words, inductance520 a and 520 b of primary are larger then inductance 522 of secondary.This is not new. However if two primary inductors 520 a and 520 b arecoupled together shown at 514 that can be driven with the active device+100 and the active device− 100 is unique to this invention. The centertaps; vdd and vss are for biasing Active device+ and Active device− ofprevious stage. The circuit may or may not need it. Also any circuit,passive or active can be coupled to vdd and vss center taps. Outputcurrent, 1out=M*(1_in_p+1_in_n) with M related to ratio of primaryinductor and secondary, coupling coefficient and Q loss of passives inthis network.

Capacitors can be coupled from dn+ to dn−, dp+ to dp− and S+ to S−. Alsocapacitors can be coupled from dn+ to dp+, dn− to dp− and dn+ to dp− anddp+ to dn− and capacitors from S+ to dn+ and dp+ and S− to dp− and dn−.And any combination thereof. These capacitors can be variablecapacitors, they can be N parallel capacitors. They can have seriesresistors or inductors or switches.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a differential coupled transformer 600with sectional secondary winding tuning block in accordance with thepresent invention. The differential coupled transformer of FIG. 6A isone implementation example of passive network which takes four inputs asdn+, dp+ and dn−, dp− and six outputs of S+, S−; gn+, gn−: gp+, gp− insuch a manner that with proper sizing of inductors and capacitors,output currents at S− and S+, 1_out_+ or I_out_− are larger thancombined 1_in_n+ and 1_in_p+ or 1_in_n− and 1_in_p−. The nodes gn+, gn−,gp+ and gp− will connect to respective gates of active device 100 toinitiate common gate, common source action in the active device 100.

An inductor set 610 a that is connecting dp+ to dp− form first primaryInductor set that are connecting dn+ to dn− form a second primaryinductor set 610 b. These primary inductor sets 610 a and 610 b can becoupled to each other with a coupling factor k and also to couple tosecondary inductor sets for each section as shown in the dotted oval inFIG. 6A and indicated as sections 602 a, 602 b, 602 c, . . . 602 n.Since primary inductors in each section couple together, the tuningblock 600 block can distinguish between odd harmonic and even harmonicof the signal and therefore behave differently for each case. In the oddharmonic mode, direction of current through nodes dn+ and dp+ are samedirection hence the current is coupled to the secondary inductors. Alsothe driving active or passive of previous stage sees full inductance ofcombined primary and secondary according to transformer action. In theeven harmonic mode, the direction of current at node dn+ and dp+ areopposite to each other. Hence no current will couple to the secondaryinductors. Also the inductance seen by between dn+, dn− and dp+, dp− isless than in the odd harmonic mode.

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of a coupled transformer with capacitancetuning block 600′ in accordance with the present invention. The tuningblock 600 is one implementation example of a passive network whichincludes four inputs as dn+, dp+ and dn−, dp− and six outputs of S+, S−;gn+, gn−: gp+, gp−. The passive network is designed in such a mannerthat with proper sizing of inductors and capacitors, output currents atS− and S+, 1_out_+ or 1_out_− are larger then combined 1_in_n+ and1_in_p+ or 1_in_n− and 1_in_p_, the nodes gn+, gn−, gp+ and gp− willconnect to respective gates of the active device 100 no that to initiatecommon gate, common source action in the active device 100.

Inductor 610 a is a primary inductor connecting p+ to p−. Inductor 610 bis also primary connecting n+ to n−. These primary inductors 610 a and610 b can be coupled to each other with a coupling factor k, such thatcircuit distinguish between odd harmonic and even harmonic of signal andbehave differently for each case. In odd harmonic mode, direction ofcurrent through nodes dn+ and dp+ are same direction hence add to thecurrent of the secondary inductor 616 and 620 therefore seeing the fullinductance of 610 a and 610 b via coupling 624 a and 624 b. The tuningblock 600′ includes capacitors 622 a-622 d, capacitor 614, and capacitor618. For the signal in the even harmonic mode, direction of current atnode dn+ and dp+ are opposite to each other. Hence no current willcouple to secondary inductor 616 and 620. Also inductance seen betweendn+, dn− and dp+, dp− is less than the odd harmonic mode.

FIG. 7A is a diagram of a common gate power amplifier 700 in accordancewith the present invention. The amplifier 700 includes a plurality ofcommon gate tuning blocks 200 alternately serially connected betweenactive devices 100. The last active device is then terminated with aload 300.

FIG. 7B is a diagram of a combined common gate and common source poweramplifier 700′ in accordance with the present invention. The amplifier700′ includes a plurality of common gate and common source gate tuningblocks 200′ alternately serially connected between active devices 100.The last active device 100 is then terminated with aloud 300.

FIG. 7C suggests that mix and match of common gate or common gate,common source or even common source can be implemented that is inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a power amplifier 800 in accordance withthe present invention. The amplifier 800 includes a pair of transistors802 a and 802 b that deliver an input signal to tuning block 200. Thetuning block 200 provides six outputs, gn−, gn+, gp−, gp+, S+ and S−.These signals are the inputs to the active device 100 which providesoutput signals dn+, dp+, dp− and dp− to the load 300. This means thatinvented common gate or common gate common source amplifier do not haveto be driven by similar amplifier that is invented in this application.Any traditional common source or common gate transistors that are n-typeor p-type or n-p type with or without cascades can also drive it.However performance is not optimum.

FIG. 9 is a first embodiment of a schematic diagram of the load of FIG.8 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 9 is an example of anoutput matching circuit 900 for the power amplifier which candifferentiate between odd and even harmonics of a signal presented tonodes dn+, dn− and dp+, dp−. Inductors 520 a and 520 b are primaryinductors. They are coupled together. Inductor 522 is secondary which iscoupled to both 520 a and 520 b. The secondary is coupled to load 550.In an embodiment, the load 550 can be antenna or SAW filter as anexample. Negative side of secondary 522 can be grounded which willconvert a differential input to single ended output. Different turnratio of secondary 520 to primary 520 a and 520 b can results todifferent matching set up.

The key feature is that two primary inductors 520 a and 520 b arecoupled together. Due to the coupling 524, the inductance seen fromnodes n+ to n− and p+ to p− is different for odd and even mode of inputsignal. If the output matching circuit is driven with active device+ andactive device− 100, in the even mode, current direction between twoprimary inductance 520 a and 520 b are opposite. In the odd mode,current direction between two primary inductance 520 a and 520 b aresame for normal operation. This greatly enhances performance.

Center taps vdd and vss are for providing proper bias for previous stageactive devices. Capacitors can be coupled from dn+ to dn−, dp+dp− and S+to S− to tune the matching transformer. Also capacitors can be coupledfrom dn+ to dp+, dn− to dp− and dn+ to dp− and p+ to n− and capacitorsfrom S+ to dn+ and dp+ and S− to dp− and dn− and any combinationthereof. These capacitors can be variable capacitors; they can be Nparallel capacitors. They can have series resistors or inductors orswitches.

FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the load ofFIG. 8 in accordance with the present invention. This is another examplefor output matching network referred to as a combiner network 1000. Ifthis network 1000 is driven by N differential active device+ 100 andactive device− 100, then direction of current flow through dn1+, dn1−side of primary is same direction to current flow through dp1+, dp1− forodd harmonic mode, hence normal operation in which input currents of dn1and dp1 of primary 1020 a add via coupling 1010 a-1010 n and couples tosecondary 1022 a-1022 n via coupling 1010 a-1010 b with associatedcoupling factor and losses in consideration. However if this network isdriven by differential active device+ 100 and active device− 100, thendirection of current flow through dn+, dn− side of primary is oppositedirection to current flow through p+, p− side of primary and hence has acancelling effect in accordance to coupling factor and losses as well asreducing inductance seen between nodes dn1+, dn1− and dp1+, dp1−. Thesedistinguishing of odd vs even harmonic of signal is a key feature of thepresent invention. The response of circuit for even and odd harmonicsignals is also true for each sub sections. This action will greatlyenhance performance especially for the issues related to memory effectsand signal bandwidth. The secondary 1022 a-1022 n can be single ended byconnecting one side of load to ground or differential.

Capacitors can be added between nodes dn1+ and dn1−, dp1+ and dp1−, dn1+and dp1+, dn1− and dp1−, dn1+ and dp1−, dp1+ and dn1− and similarly to2nd section and to N section. Also capacitors can connect to output+ andoutput−. Capacitors can also be variable. The capacitors can have seriesresistance and so forth. Each sub-section of combiner can independentlyshorted or disabled by any means, which can change load line seen by thedriver. This will be done to change load characteristic for poweramplifier for each power mode. Inductor value of each section can besame or different. The transform can be implemented on chip or off chip.

FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the load ofFIG. 8 in accordance with the present invention. This is another examplefor output matching network 1000′. The load is related to having twoprimary inductors, that are coupled together and by connecting equalpotential input nodes together to even out any common mode differencesbetween sub sections.

By connecting dn1+, dn2+, . . . dnn+ together to form dn+ and dn1−,dn2−, . . . dnn− together to form dn− and dp1+, dp2+, dpn+ together toform dp+ and dp1−, dp2−, . . . dpn− together to form dp−.

This configuration reduces the number of inputs while increasing theperformance. If this network is driven by a differential active device+100 and active device− 100, then the direction of current flow throughdn+, dn− side of primary is same direction to current flow through dp+,dp− for odd harmonic mode, hence normal operation in which inputcurrents of dn and dp of primary add and couples to secondary withassociated coupling factor and losses in consideration. However if thisnetwork is driven by differential active device+ 100 and active device−100, then direction of current flow through dn+, dn− side of primary isin an opposite direction to current flow through p+, p− side of primaryand hence has a cancelling effect in accordance to coupling factor andlosses as well as reducing inductance seen between nodes dn+, dn− anddp+, dp−. This distinguish of odd vs even harmonic of signal is a keyfeature of the present invention. This action will greatly enhanceperformance specially for the issues related to memory effects andsignal bandwidth.

The secondary can be single ended by connecting one side of load toground or differential. Capacitors can be added between nodes dn+ anddn−, dp+ and dp−, dn+ and dp+, dn− and dp−, dn+ and ddp−, dp+ and dn−,output+ and output− and any combination thereof. The capacitors can bevariable. The capacitors can have series resistance and so forth. Eachsub section of combiner can independently shorted or disabled by anymeans, which can change load line seen by the driver. This will be doneto change load characteristic for power amplifier for each power mode.Inductor value of each section can be same or different. The transformcan be implemented on chip or off chip.

Although the present invention has been described in accordance with theembodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyrecognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and thosevariations would be within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An active device comprising: an n-typetransistor; a p-type transistor, wherein the n-type transistor and thep-type transistor share a common source, further wherein a firstcapacitor, a second capacitor, and a third capacitor are coupled betweenthe n-type transistor and the p-type transistor; and a tuning blockcoupled to the common source to form a common gate amplifier.
 2. Theactive device of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, and thirdcapacitors comprises any of a variable capacitor, a capacitor coupled inseries with a resistor, a capacitor coupled in parallel with a resistor,a capacitor coupled serially with an inductor, and a capacitor coupledin parallel with an inductor.
 3. An active device comprising: an n-typetransistor; a p-type transistor, wherein the n-type transistor and thep-type transistor share a common source, further wherein a firstcapacitor, a second capacitor, and a third capacitor are coupled betweenthe n-type transistor and the p-type transistor; and a tuning blockcoupled to the common source and gates of the n-type and p-typetransistors to form a common source/common gate amplifier.
 4. The activedevice of claim 3, wherein each of the first, second, and thirdcapacitors comprises any of a variable capacitor, a capacitor coupled inseries with a resistor, a capacitor coupled in parallel with a resistor,a capacitor coupled serially with an inductor, and a capacitor coupledin parallel with an inductor.